Pulmonary resection after lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis patients

Pulmonary resection after lung transplantation in end-stage cystic fibrosis presents unique challenges, and scant literature exists to guide physicians. We retrospectively reviewed 78 transplants for cystic fibrosis performed between 2003 and 2008. Fourteen patients underwent posttransplantation pulmonary resection. We analyzed the indications, surgical procedures, outcomes, and survival. Three pneumonectomies, 4 lobectomies, and 11 wedge resections were carried out. We identified 2 groups based on indication: a diagnostic group, and a therapeutic group of patients in whom the indications were septic native lung in 2, allograft infection in 2, lobar torsion in 2, pulmonary infarction in 2, and size mismatch in 4. The mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 29 and 50 days, respectively. Four (28.57%) patients died during follow-up, including 2 who underwent pneumonectomy; 10 (71.43%) are still alive. Survival was 43.43 ± 8.06 months, and it was not significantly different from that in cystic fibrosis patients who had lung transplantation without pulmonary resection. Pulmonary resection following lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis patients showed acceptable survival and surgical risk, but metachronous pneumonectomy was associated with higher mortality.